Niche overlap between sympatric coyotes and bobcats in highland zones of Olympic Mountains, Washington

摘要: The 20th century extensive range expansion of coyote Canis latrans throughout North America may impose negative effects on native carnivores. We investigated the interspecific niche relationships to assess potential for competition between sympatric and a similar-sized felid ‐ bobcat Lynx rufus highland zones (elevation >1000 m) Olympic National Park, Peninsula, Washington. Through systematic collection analyses scats both carnivores (May‐September 2005‐2006), we determined food habits (composition, diversity, overlap diets) habitat use patterns. To ensure correct determination carnivore species, used mtDNA analysis scats. Scat indicated dietary (Pianka’s index = 0.97). For medium-sized mammals comprised predominant prey: mountain beaver Aplodontia rufa snowshoe hare Lepus americanus; each occurring in about 50% High similarity exploitative mammalian prey, especially harsh climatic conditions high mountains. However, observed patterns selection inferred from scat distribution showed differences coyotes bobcats, implying some degree partitioning. Bobcats preferred relatively dense montane forests (canopy cover >40%) at lower elevations, avoided alpine zone, while inhabited mainly subalpine mostly forest. conclude that separation alleviate foraging bobcat. Whether this will decrease colonization abundance, or whether it indicates ongoing displacement bobcats by coyotes, remains an open question.